Packers outside linebacker Nick Perry feels differently this offseason — primarily because he’s not rehabbing something for the first time since 2013.
But the oft-injured outside linebacker knows that it’s time to produce, after he came back on a one-year deal with the Packers hoping he can fulfill his pass-rush potential.
“It feels good being out here with the team and building chemistry early,” Perry said, via Scott Venci of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. “Just being able to practice and get everything down, building that foundation moving forward into the season. I think that is huge, me being here and participating.”
It’s huge because it’s so unusual.
As a rookie in 2012, he broke his wrist. Then came a broken foot in 2013, shoulder surgery after the 2014 season, and playing through a shoulder problem last year along with a cast for some broken fingers.
But at the moment, he’s whole, and hoping to capitalize on two solid playoff games, which included 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble. His teammates say they can see a difference this year beyond the health.
“I definitely have seen him take a lot of his body work seriously,” defensive lineman Mike Daniels said. “He’s had some unfortunate history of injuries, but you can see he has detailed his work a lot more. I’m just happy. Happy he’s doing it.
“When you really watch film, when he’s healthy he beats some of the best guys in the league.”
His uneven production kept the Packers from picking up the fifth-year option on the former first-rounder’s contract, but they did want to give him another chance. And he knows he has to make the most of it.
